New Delhi: Millions of Christian denominations around the world observe a month of restraint for Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday (14th February for this year), which is today, and ends approximately six weeks later, before Easter Sunday. Basically, Lent is a season of forty days – not counting Sundays – representing the time Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. During the Lenten season, believers commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries, instead, focus on their relationships with God. Many Christians, particularly Catholic, abstain from eating meat on Wednesdays, Friday and Saturdays during this period.

But whether you do it for religious reasons or not, many studies have shown that observing a period of restraints around certain foods can have immense health benefits. Here, we have listed some amazing benefits you can reap from observing a fast:

Various research studies suggested that taking a break from eating can sometimes reduce risk factors for chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

A team of scientists from the University of Southern California found that a fasting diet could reverse diabetes and repair the damaged pancreas.

Eating and digesting food takes a toll on the body, and taking the odd break from that can be a good thing,

According to Professor Amanda Salis, who researches severe energy restriction at the University of Sydney, eating and digesting food can take a toll on the body, and taking the odd break from that can be a good thing.

Psychologist Meredith Fuller puts it this way: “Fasting can also help you reset your relationship with food.”

Many studies found that fasting could boost the production of a certain protein which is beneficial for brain function best known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF, which may also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer and Parkinson disease.

During the Lent period, many people stay away from certain foods like meat and meat products, including beef, pork, chicken. Giving up or limiting meat intake may help to lower your risk of diseases, including cancer. Also, a study, published April 9, 2012, in the Archives of Internal Medicine, by a team of Harvard researchers found that people who ate the more red meat tended to die younger and to die more often from cardiovascular disease and cancer. This means fasting can add years to your life, helping you live longer.

Fasting also aids in weight loss – that’s because excessive fats stored around your organs can interfere with organ function, however, studies suggest that fasting may help you reach ketosis, the fat-burning state. In a 2014 study, participants who alternated fast and feed days experienced a reduction in weight.

Fasting cleanses and detoxifies the body. Truth is, over time, your body heats up and then the immune system gets knocked down. But, fasting is a great way to recharge, rejuvenate, and renew the body.

Fasting can also help slow down ageing process by producing more human growth hormone (HGH) – we tend to age faster when the body produces less HGH.

Turns out, there’s a bigger reason for observing the Lent fast, alongside the spiritual benefits, you can also experience a wide range of health benefits from doing it.

New Delhi: People living with heart problems can now have a sigh of relief as the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has on Monday revised the price of coronary stents, reports The Times of India.

In a statement, the NPPA said that prices of Drug Releasing Stents (DRS) – – small wire-mesh structures used to treat blocked arteries — have been slashed to Rs 27,890 from Rs 30,180, while marginally raising the cap on bare metal stents from Rs 7,400 to Rs 7,660. However, these caps are excluding GST.

It is said that the trade margin allowed on stents remains the same at 8%, and the revised price caps will be effective from Tuesday and remain in effect until March 31, 2019.

The NPPA, which had for the first time fixed the price cap of Rs 30,180 on coronary stents, had received several complaints about overcharging on catheters, balloons and guide wires used in the angioplasty procedure used to treat blockages in the heart. The agency, in its analysis, found that the trade margin for the imported version of some of these consumables are as high as over 400 percent while indigenous manufacturers earn up to 230 percent profit on these devices. Hence, the authority has asked for the prices of accessories like catheters, balloons and others to be displayed separately in the hospital bills along with brand names.

At present, there is no law in India which allows the government to regulate these charges.

Meanwhile, the NPPA’s decision to cap stent prices has been welcomed by All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN). In a statement, AIDAN asked for the expansion of price cap to consumables as a necessary step to make procedures like angiography and angioplasty more affordable and accessible to patients.

The Medical Technology Association of India, a Union of Indian medical device makers, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment over the move, adding that it will limit the choice as well as the availability of innovative technologies in the market.

New Delhi: Feeling down and bloated? Severe low back pain? Yes, it is that time of the month again when your uterus turns into a bloodbath. Dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual cramps, or painful periods, affects 1 in every 5 women, according to the report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Menstrual cramps may be caused by identifiable problems, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. However, hormone-like substances called prostaglandins can trigger this process. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause the uterine muscles to contract painfully during menstruation. This can result in throbbing pain in the lower abdomen which can radiate back to the thighs and lower back.

Generally, menstrual cramps don’t cause any other medical complications, but, dealing with this process every month can be one of the worst nightmares for girls and women. But there are many effective natural remedies that can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by your periods. Here are top ten home remedies that will help you keep those menstrual cramps in check.

Drink chamomile tea

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce the production of prostaglandin, thereby decreasing the period cramps significantly.

Message with sesame oil

A traditional ingredient in the Ayurvedic self-massage sessions, sesame is rich in linoleic acid, possesses antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Massaging the lower abdomen with sesame oil helps a lot in curbing period pain.

Fenugreek seeds

Soak fenugreek seeds in water for 12 hours and imbibe it on an empty stomach, preferably early in the morning. This will help in dealing with menstrual cramps.

Apply heat

For an easy period pain relief trick, apply heat on your lower abdomen. Apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen and lie down. Sipping on warm fluids or taking a hot water bath can also provide some relief.

Cumin seeds

Cumin seeds can be used to make herbal tea to deal with menstrual cramps. The anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of cumin coupled with its relaxing effect make it very effective to treat period pain.

Basil leaves

This one is another effective herb to reduce cramps and menstrual pain. Basil has caffeic acid which has analgesic or pain-killing properties. Add one tablespoon of basil leaves to one cup of boiling water. Allow it to cool. Drink this concoction every few hours to ease the pain. You can also crush a handful of basil leaves to extract the juice. Add this juice to a cup of warm water. And consume it three times daily to reduce menstrual pain.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has anticlotting, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties that can help deal with menstrual cramps. Moreover, cinnamon is a rich source of dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and manganese.

Mix one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water. Mix it well. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then add honey and drink it. For better results, start drinking 1-2 cups of cinnamon tea prior to 2 days of your cycle.

Fennel

The phytoestrogenic, anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties of fennel are proven to help relax the muscles in the uterus. This, in turn, relieves menstrual cramps and the associated discomfort.

Add a teaspoon of fennel to a cup of boiling mixture. Simmer it on low heat. Remove it from the heat and strain the tea. Add a teaspoon of honey to it and mix well. Drink this herbal tea twice a day. Make sure that you start drinking this tea three days prior to the start of your cycle. Drink it hot to achiever the best results.

Blackstrap molasses

This substance is filled with all the goodness of potassium, calcium, vitamin B6, selenium, iron, magnesium. It helps in reducing blood clots and soothes the muscles of the uterine walls, which in turn lessens the menstrual cramps.

You can add two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses to a cup of warm milk. Drink it as soon as you start experiencing cramps and continue for as long as you require it.

Exercise

While this might seem out of the question at first, numerous studies have shown that exercise can help banish period pain. Some yogasanas like shavasana or pranayama may help in providing period pain relief. Exercises increase the circulation to the pelvic region and releases endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins, and thus provide relief.

These are some of the home remedies that may ease the pain. However, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out more serious health issues, if the pain worsens, or your period cramps seem severe despite trying some of these options.

New Delhi: The food industry today is inundated with numerous fad diets that promise quick weight loss to people who are overweight or obese. But, the majority of the trendy ways to lose weight take an unbalanced approach to diet and nutrition, and many of them can be dangerous for your health. In hopes of transforming their body or achieving that ‘happy weight’ fast, people do all sorts of experiments with diet, most of which have no conclusive evidence of success behind them.

This eventually results in disappointment among dieters, making them feel like there’s nothing they can do to do away with their excess weight. But, shedding off those extra pounds don’t have to feel like a task. Rather, it doesn’t have to be always ‘eating less’ and ‘exercising more’, which is the most popular rule of weight loss. Making simple changes to your lifestyle can produce effective results.

The good news is that simple kitchen remedies can help you lose weight naturally without going on a diet or following a rigorous fitness regimen. So, instead of resorting to those harmful methods either by starving, or relying on pills, you can easily shed the pounds right in the comfort of your home using natural and effective methods. They are simple, painless, healthy, and will make a huge difference not just to your weight but also your overall health.

Here are five simple home remedies that will help you lose weight and get rid of stubborn belly fat in no time, without going on a diet:

Drink water

What better way to start the day than drinking a glass of warm water, which has no carbs or calories. Studies claim that water can help you burn more calories and may even suppress your appetite if consumed before meals. According to a study, drinking water (half a litre) about half an hour before meals helped dieters eat fewer calories and lose 44% more weight.

Eat more fruits and veggies

Eating more fruits and vegetables is important not only for losing weight but also for good health. They are low in fat and calories, but high in nutrients such as fibre, which is a key ingredient for successful weight loss. One of the best things about fibre is that it takes a longer time to digest, leaving you feeling full and satisfied for long. Beans and lentils, whole grains, seeds and nuts, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, are best sources of fibre. A study suggests that thylakoid found in spinach can curb cravings and hunger, which can further aid in weight loss.

Add herbs and spices to your diet

Fortunately, there are a number of herbs and spices – such as turmeric, black pepper, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, ginger, cinnamon and garlic – that are excellent for weight loss. Try including them in your daily diet for a couple of months and see the difference. They not only boost fat burning but help treat various health conditions due to their medicinal properties. Studies suggest spices have the potential to burn body fat more quickly, including the stubborn visceral belly fat.

Eat smaller meals at regular times

This can be one of the best tricks if you’re watching your weight and trying to lose it. Large meals burden the digestive system, which may cause bloating and lowered energy while the body tries to digest them. However, eating in small quantities at regular intervals will prevent this mess. It will also help you learn to be satisfied eating less food, which can benefit you both physically and financially apart from helping you lose weight.

Avoid white flour food

This is important because white flour is made from heavily refined and processed wheat grains. Foods made from white grain can make you gain weight because it is composed mainly of carbohydrates, which are quickly digested and are high in sugar. Too much consumption of white flour can lead to weight gain.

New Delhi: Most of us probably would know a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with some form of cancer in the past. Just the mention of the ‘C-word’ fills many of us with dread and anxiety. Understandably, even receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be extremely daunting. But the problem with cancer is it can strike anyone at any age irrespective of lifestyle choices made by an individual – meaning the dreaded disease can still hit you even if you live a healthy life and do your best, and without much warning.

What’s even more concerning about the disease is there’s still no cure for cancer, which is the second leading cause of death globally – nearly 1 in 6 deaths occur due to cancer. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. Worldwide, cancer cases are rising at an alarming rate. The number of new cancer cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades. WHO estimates that by 2020, there will be 24 million people living with cancer in the world – from 14 million cases recorded worldwide in 2012 – if the current trend continues. As researchers continue to strive towards a cure for the disease, we bring you a list of the six most fatal types of cancer that has affected a large number of people worldwide:

Lung and bronchial cancer

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women worldwide, with an estimated 1.6 million deaths each year. Unfortunately, many people do not experience symptoms of lung cancer until it spreads to other areas of the body. Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. However, cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk of developing lung cancer – it’s responsible for more than 90% of diagnoses. But just because you’ve never smoked doesn’t mean you’re safe. Breathing in toxic substances of any kind raises your risk. Air pollution is a leading cause of lung cancer. Figures on survival in people with lung cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer when it is diagnosed.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer may be one of the fatal cancers, with an estimated 774,000 deaths each year. But it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. It is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or the rectum. While the growths don’t always become cancerous, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s a possibility. There are many risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, but your chances of getting the disease increases as you get older (more than 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older. That’s why regular colon screenings after the age of 50 are recommended.

Breast cancer

According to the WHO, breast cancer caused 571,000 deaths in 2015 and is top cancer in women globally. In India, where breast cancer has become the most common form of cancer among Indian women, the disease is found in women who are in their late 20s and early 30s. While breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women, men can also be at risk. As with all cancer, family history plays a big role here. Health experts suggest that all women over the age of 30 should be tested for faulty genes, even if they are not considered at risk.

Prostate cancer

This type of cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men and often shows no warning signs until tumour has already progressed to a more advanced stage. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in a man’s prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid. This cancer is also making a steep rise among Indian men. According to Indian National Cancer Registry, the incidence of prostate cancer in the country will rise by 220% by 2020. It is not surprising that prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among men worldwide. Age and family history are major risk factors that may cause prostate cancer. In most cases, the cancer is diagnosed in men over 50 years of age.

Pancreatic cancer

Often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ as it is seldom detected in its early stage, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, being responsible for 7% of all cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Pancreatic cancer is a rare and an aggressive type of cancer that spreads rapidly to nearby organs, making it one of the deadliest forms of cancer. It begins in the organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach – the pancreas. Pancreatic survival rates are lower than any other cancer – 93% of people detected with the disease do not survive beyond five years.

As with other cancers, living a simple life, consuming simple and healthy food and staying active by exercising regularly can help prevent or reduce the risk of cancer.

Liver cancer

Liver cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer around the world, claiming 788,000 lives each year. Liver cancer occurs when unhealthy cells in the organ grow and spread. Hepatitis B and C infections are linked closely to liver cancer because they can also lead to cirrhosis, which is when healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. Cutting down on your alcohol consumption can help prevent alcohol-related liver disease.

Washington DC: You might want to read this on your feet. A new research has found that standing instead of sitting for six hours a day could prevent weight gain and help people to actually lose weight. The study examined whether standing burns more calories than sitting.

The researchers analysed results from a total of 46 studies with 1,184 participants in all. Participants, on average, were 33 years old, 60 percent were men, and the average body mass index and weight were 24 kg/m2 and 65 kg, respectively.

Senior author Professor Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, said, “Standing not only burns more calories, the additional muscle activity is linked to lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes, so the benefits of standing could go beyond weight control.”

Participants were standing still, while in reality, people make small movements while standing. The gap in energy expenditure between standing and sitting could be even greater than the study found.

“Our results might be an underestimate because when people stand they tend to make spontaneous movements like shifting weight or swaying from one foot to another, taking small steps forward and back. People may even be more likely to walk to the filing cabinet or trash bin,” said Professor Lopez-Jimenez.

The team concluded that replacing standing for sitting could be yet another behaviour change to help reduce the risk of long-term weight gain. They suggest more research is needed to see whether such a strategy is effective and practical.

Professor Lopez-Jimenez concluded by saying, “It’s important to avoid sitting for hours at a time. Standing is a very good first step — no pun intended — to avoid this mindset of sitting interminably without moving. Who knows, it may also prompt some people to do a little more and take up some mild physical activity, which would be even more beneficial.”

New Delhi: Is your idea about weight loss confined only to following a strict diet routine and doing a rigorous exercise? Turns out, there is more to weight loss than just counting calories or working out at the gym. Although most of us are convinced about reducing weight by sweating it out or by starving ourselves, we remained unaware of the positive impact of meditation on weight loss. Yes, meditation or ‘dhyana’ that most of us shy away from by citing the constraints of time or by simply thinking it as only related to the mind can be an effective tool to help people lose weight.

With obesity becoming a serious health issue, nowadays, many people look for quick fixes like popping up so-called ‘slimming capsules’ or undergoing a costly surgery like liposuction to eliminate excess fat from their body. Being overweight or obese can increase an individual’s risk of developing several conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension among others. The reason for obesity can be laid at the doors of our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, disturbed sleep patterns, and the habit of chomping on fast foods with high calories, in addition to heredity and hormonal issues. Studies reveal regular meditation could reduce the risk of obesity. According to a 2015 American study, people who pay more attention to their thoughts and feelings in the present moment had lower levels of abdominal fat and were less likely to become obese.

What is meditation all about?

Known as the most powerful tool to have control on your mind and body as well, meditation is all about focusing your mind on a singular aspect and clearing all the jumbled thoughts and emotions – the source of anxiety and stress. Take time out of your busy schedule for at least 5 – 10 minutes and meditate in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The best way to meditate is by closing your eyes and concentrating on your breathing rhythm – either by sitting or lying down. According to experts, meditation is best done early in the morning and just before going to sleep at night.

How can meditation help with weight loss?

Lowers stress hormone

Research suggests meditation helps reduce the level of stress hormones. Truth is, no matter how long you sweat it out at the gym, if stress hormone like cortisol abounds in your system, you can simply forget about losing weight. The reason being cortisol actually influences your body and mind to store the calories as excess fat. A study conducted by the Texas Tech University has shown that meditation can reduce the levels of stress hormones, and instead, gain better brain activity, relaxation, calmness, and awareness about your body and mind.

Reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR)

BMR is the minimum amount of calories you need to breathe while being at rest. Thus, the lower your calorie intake is, the lesser the BMR would be, and as a consequence will boost your weight loss. Meditation helps in achieving precisely that by reducing your BMR.

Lowers cravings for food

One of the biggest obstacles to weight loss is cravings for food, particularly sugar. If you like chocolates, ice creams, and sweets, it is very difficult to resist the temptation. But meditation can help you to regain control of your mind, which may reduce food cravings. This may promote lesser food intake, especially those containing high calories, which are culprits in weight gain.

Thus, the ancient art of meditation has been proven to be a great remedy for weight loss. So, instead of trying out those costly and sometimes misguided ‘therapies’, it is better to use the free, healthy, time-tested and scientifically proven art called meditation that will help you stay fit and healthy.

New Delhi: When you see your precious tresses all over the floor and on your comb, don’t your heart just break into pieces? Every day the same routine continues and this increases the stress and anxiety of an individual. Hair fall is a serious problem and it needs a proper diagnosis to figure out the cause and work towards a cure for it. The good thing is that hair fall can be controlled using natural home remedies that are safe and effective. Here are seven home remedies to stop hair fall and prevent hair loss:

Egg mask

Eggs have very high selenium, sulphur, zinc, phosphorous, iodine, zinc and protein content, which helps in promoting hair growth. Pour an egg white into a bowl and add a teaspoon of olive oil and honey to the mixture. Beat well and apply it all over the hair from roots to the tips. Keep it till it dries, then wash it off with a mild shampoo.

Licorice root

This is very effective in preventing hair loss and further damage to the hair. It soothes the scalp and also gets rid of any dandruff. Make a paste by adding a tablespoon of ground licorice and a quarter teaspoon saffron to a cup of milk. Apply this to the scalp and leave it on overnight. Wash your hair the next morning. For best results, repeat this two times a week.

Coconut milk

This has got essential fats and protein which is very good for hair regrowth and also prevents hair loss. Grate a coconut and simmer it in a pan for five minutes. Strain and let it cool. Add one tablespoon of crushed black pepper and fenugreek seeds to the milk. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair. Keep it for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off using a mild shampoo.

Yogurt and honey

Make a mixture of 2 tablsepoons of yogurt with one tablespoon of honey and lemon. Apply this concoction on your scalp and roots. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water. You can apply this paste once a week.

Amla

This is a very effective remedy to stop hair fall immediately. Vitamin C deficiency is a probable cause of hair fall. Since amla is rich in Vitamin C, this will provide strength to the hair follicles, thereby letting you control your hair fall. The anti-inflammatory and exfoliator properties of amla make it an excellent agent to promote hair growth, maintain a healthy scalp and also prevent premature greying.

Mix lime juice with the mala powder to make a paste. Apply this on to your scalp and hair. Keep this for an hour and rinse it off with normal water.

Green tea

Its high antioxidant properties make it an excellent agent to promote hair growth and also prevent hair loss. Soak two-three teabags in one-two cups of hot water depending on your hair length. Let the water cool and pour this over your hair and scalp. Keep massaging your head gently throughout the process. Rinse with cold water after an hour.

Beetroot juice

It contains a bagful of vitamins and minerals – such as B6, C, magnesium, folate, betanine, and potassium. All of these constituents work to create healthy hair. It also acts as a very good detoxifying agent and keeps the scalp completely clean.

Just boil 7-8 beetroots and grind them along with 5-6 henna leaves. Apply the paste on your scalp and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

With these simple easy-to-prepare home remedies, hair fall will not be a problem and you can also grow your hair naturally.

]]>http://tllt.in/7-home-remedies-to-stop-hair-fall-and-regrow-your-tresses/feed/0Fashion Tips: Simple Yet Effective Tips To Don Coloured Jeanshttp://tllt.in/fashion-tips-simple-yet-effective-tips-to-don-coloured-jeans/
http://tllt.in/fashion-tips-simple-yet-effective-tips-to-don-coloured-jeans/#respondMon, 29 Jan 2018 06:35:10 +0000http://tllt.in/?p=7020Get experimental with denims and choose a coloured pair to stand out. But ensure you choose one which flatters your body type and which looks suitable for the place you may be heading to, suggest experts. Manjula Gandhi, Chief Product Officer, Numero Uno, which is offering denims in earthy muted shades like olive, khaki and smoky grey for spring-summer 2018, has some hacks to suggest.

* Wear a neutral colour on top like white, grey or ecru if you are wearing a bright coloured jeans.

* If you are wearing a printed shirt or t-shirt, keep it low-key and not too contrasting with the colour of jeans.

* Do not dress in a single colour tone from top to bottom

* Do not wash coloured jeans in hot water. Also turn them inside out before washing in cold water to preserve the colour and make it last longer.

Abhishek Yadav, Design Head, Spykar Lifestyle, believes coloured jeans are a great alternative to your usual blue pair and can be dressed up or dressed down to suit the occasion.

“Along with the pastel shades of yellow, khaki, baby blue and mauve, the shades of wine, plum, rust, burnt orange and deep green are the substitutes of indigo,” Yadav said.

Tips on buying jeans:

Good fit: When buying jeans, the first and most important tip is to make a note of your waist size and trouser inseam length. A good jeans should fit securely around your waist, while providing enough ease for you to move around easily in. This is really something you will realise when you slip them on.

Colour: Colour plays a key role in this product and selecting the right colour is of most importance. What to pair it with, whether a shirt, polo t-shirt or a casual tee and what will be the occasion – work/office, casual and street, or any other occasion are the questions one needs to answer while looking for colour. Also while selecting the colour, one’s body type and what looks good should be given consideration.

Style: When you choose to buy a pair of coloured jeans, it isn’t just about fit, it is also about how the product looks and feels aesthetically. Design and styling plays an important role here. Sometimes, classics with minimal details are the best bet.

Quality: To ensure you don’t waste money, make sure you take a good look at the quality of the jeans you are considering to buy. Coloured denims sometimes are not even when dyeing. Check for any uneven and patchy dye stain. You want to look at the seams, pockets, zips and buttons to make sure they are well made and will last a good few years.

Fly closure: While trying a pair of jeans , one should always check the fly closure, if it is a zipper or button closure. Zipper is easier to operate and hassle-free while there are chances of its malfunction. Buttons are more durable as fastners but are difficult to close and open on frequent basis. It is a personal choice, and should be taken into consideration while picking your favourite pair of coloured jeans.

New Delhi: Broccoli’s reputation as a superfood continues to ring with more and more research studies supporting the health claims related to this verdant vegetable. Low in calories, these mini trees are a powerhouse of nutrients you need for maintaining a healthy life. The cruciferous vegetable is reputed to help with weight loss, cardiovascular system, digestion, inflammatory problems among many other. Antioxidant-rich broccoli is also famous for its ability to prevent certain types of cancer. So, if you’re watching your weight and trying to eat healthier, broccoli should be at the very top of your menu list. In fact, a recent study suggests that having dietary fiber like broccoli, peas, raspberries, blackberries, coconut, and figs daily can help prevent obesity.

The study, published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe and carried out by the Georgia State University researchers, indicates that adding dietary fiber in your daily diet prevents obesity, metabolic syndrome and adverse changes in the intestine by promoting the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the colon. Eating a high-fat diet is linked to an increased risk of developing obesity and conditions related to metabolic syndrome — a cluster of symptoms that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Broccoli and weight loss

Broccoli is a brilliant choice for a weight loss diet because it is very low in calories. The versatile vegetable is high in fiber, which is a key nutrient that helps you fight fat and lose weight. Truth is fiber can help reduce appetite and contribute to satiety, helping you eat less without trying. This fiber-rich vegetable also improves digestion and prevents various stomach disorders, including constipation. Of course, the vegetable is extremely rich in vitamin C, vitamins A and B6, calcium, potassium, selenium, and several micronutrients are known to support weight loss. The presence of these nutrients makes broccoli a very good natural detoxifier. The phytochemicals in broccoli show potential for breaking down fats.

The vegetable has a good amount of protein, an important nutrient for weight loss. Protein can effectively help you fight the bulge and stubborn belly fat by working on several different mechanisms. A high intake of protein boost metabolism curbs appetite and changes several hormones associated with weight regulation. This happens because protein reduces levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, while it promotes the appetite-reducing hormones GLP-1, peptide YY and cholecystokinin. This leads to a reduction in calorie consumption. Also, a high protein intake has been shown to increase the amount of calories burned by about 80 to 100 per day.

Other health benefits of eating broccoli

As mentioned above, the health benefits of broccoli are not limited to weight loss. For instance, while the concentrated sulforaphane – a chemical found in broccoli – can reduce blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes, the phytochemicals in broccoli are good for the immune system. Broccoli also contains significant amounts of beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and other compounds that help reduce bad cholesterol, regulate blood pressure and keep the heart healthy.

According to the American Cancer Society, broccoli’s isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, boost detoxifying enzymes and act as antioxidants, which in turn, may affect estrogen levels and help reduce breast cancer risk.

Usually consumed boiled or steamed, broccoli can also be eaten raw. So, start adding broccoli to your diet for a healthier, happier you.